Leguizamo is among a roster of new additions to the special that includes José Andrés, Arturo Castro, John Leguizamo, George Lopez, Isabela Merced, Rita Moreno, Ana Navarro, Freddy Rodriguez and Wilmer Valderrama.
The event will be produced and hosted by Eva Longoria. Ricky Martin and Gloria Estefan are also set to co-host.
The star-studded lineup will join the show, created by Henry R. Muñoz III and directed by Ron de Moraes, to celebrate Latinx culture while also shedding light on those in the community that have been heavily impacted by the novel coronavirus pandemic and those who play an essential role in fighting COVID-19.
Apart from the array of Latinx voices speaking at the event, the event will also feature musical performances, comedy pieces and docu-shorts aimed to spread awareness on the Latinx experience.
The special follows Longoria’s recent launch of a lifestyle site for the Latina community, She Se Puede, that covers fashion, health, culture and voting.
Essential Heroes: A Momento Latino Event will broadcast Monday, October 26 from 9:00-10:00pm, ET/PT on the CBS Television Network. Audiences can also stream the event live and on demand on CBS All Access.
Chita Rivera is Biden her time before the upcoming presidential election…
The 87-year-old half-Puerto Rican Broadway star will be among the stars of the Great White Way who’ll stage a fundraising concert for Joe Biden’s presidential campaign, with plans to stream the event on October 21.
The event, which starts at 8:00 pm ET, is organized by the group Broadway for Biden and is called In Our America: A Concert for the Soul of the Nation, with donations going to the Biden Victory Fund.
In addition to Rivera, the lineup of the concert includes Derrick Baskin, Laura Benanti, Victoria Clark, Glenn Close, Chuck Cooper, Darren Criss, André De Shields, Renée Elise Goldsberry, John Goodman, Jayne Houdyshell, Jennifer Hudson, James Monroe Iglehart, LaTanya Richardson Jackson, Samuel L. Jackson, Norman Lear, Norm Lewis, BrianStokes Mitchell, Rita Moreno, Karen Olivo, Ashley Park, Steven Pasquale, Carrie Preston, Kelani Queypo, Daphne Rubin-Vega, Phillipa Soo, Ephraim Sykes, BD Wong, the Broadway Dreams Foundation Choir, and the casts of Sixand KPOP.
Liesl Tommy, director of the upcoming Aretha Franklin biopic Respect (with Hudson in the lead role), will direct the show. Tommy is the executive producer along with Julie Boardman, Nolan Doran, Halle Morse, and Jennifer Mudge.
The concert will stream on YouTube via news publisher NowThis, on Facebook via Broadway for Biden and NowThis, and on Broadway Unlocked.
In a statement, Tommy said, “It is a tremendous honor to direct this incredible collective of performers and artists, who are coming together to amplify the promise of Broadway and a nation that are future-looking, accessible, and deeply inclusive.”
The evening will include original material, stagings of musical numbers that have never been seen, and previews of productions bound for Broadway. Among those contributing are Chad Beguelin, Tony Kushner, Lynn Nottage, Robert O’Hara, Stacey Rose, Aurin Squire, DeLanna Studi, Paula Vogel and John Waters.
Christopher Gattelli, Lorin Latarro, Ray Mercer, and Abbey O’Brien will provide original choreography, with music direction by Jason Michael Webb. Chris Boardman and Charlie Rosen will provide orchestrations. Sean McLaughlin will serve as director of photography and Grady Bowman will be associate choreographer.
The event is in the vein of a fundraiser in 2012 for Barack Obama’s reelection campaign, called Barack on Broadway, that was produced by Margo Lion and others.
Rita Moreno is ready to talk shop as part of a special night…
The 88-year-old Puerto Rican Oscar, Golden Globe, Emmy and Tony Award-winning actress will be honored during this year’s virtual AFI Fest, which will take place from October 15-22.
Moreno, who currently stars on PopTV’s One Day at a Time, will be honored alongside Sofia Coppola, Kirby Dick and Mira Nair, with each taking par t in an evening of conversation celebrating their careers.
“Artists of this caliber are essential players in our global culture,” said Bob Gazzale, AFI President & CEO. “To honor each of them – and all of them – at AFI FEST will prove a symphony of talent at a time the world needs it most.”
Moreno’s career began with a Broadway debut at 13 years old. Since then she has won all four of the most prestigious awards in show business – an Oscar, a Tony, two Emmys, and a Grammy – as well as a Peabody Award and a Kennedy Center Honor. Moreno has also been recognized with the Presidential Medal of Freedom by President George W. Bush and the National Medal of Arts by President Barack Obama.
Moreno received an Honorary Degree from the AFI Conservatory in 2016.
Moreno is starring in Steven Spielberg’s remake of West Side Story, which will debut in theaters in December of 2021. She currently stars on the remake of Norman Lear’s classic sitcom, One Day at a Time.
Rita Moreno isn’t masking her feelings about the importance of voting this year…
With the November election right around the corner, the 88-year-old Puerto Rican Oscar-winning actress and Latina icon is encouraging people to do their civic duty without uttering a single word.
Moreno is taking part in When We All Vote’s new campaign.
Director and producer Allen Hughes has brought together a wide range of artists, athletes, industry leaders, and notable community members wearing a “VOTE” face covering to inspire maximum voter participation.
Those taking part in this year’s mask campaign include Tony Bennett, Dr. Dre, Robert De Niro, Larry David, Megan Rapinoe, Sean Penn, David Crosby, Snoop Dogg, Diane von Furstenberg, Padma Lakshmi, Sterling K Brown, Tyler Oakley, Kevin Love, Ron Howard, Judd Apatow, Lindsey Vonn, Michael Keaton, Bryan Cranston, Sandra Oh, Steve Buscemi, Pamela Adlon, Christopher Poindexter, Rita Moreno, Iliza Shlesinger, and Deepak Chopra, along with healthcare worker Cady Chaplin.
“This is clearly an existential election year, and it’s critical that every eligible voter in every community engage in this election,” Hughes says. “The very soul of our nation is on the ballot November 3rd, 2020.”
Launched in 2018 by co-chairs Michelle Obama, Tom Hanks, Lin-Manuel Miranda, Janelle Monae, Chris Paul, Faith Hill and Tim McGraw, When We All Vote uses a data-driven approach to increase participation in elections. The group focuseson increasing participation in every election while closing the race and age voting gap. The goal is to change the culture around voting, harnessing grassroots energy, and through strategic partnerships to reach every American.
In addition, Michelle Obama has added Selena Gomez, Liza Koshy, Megan Rapinoe, Shonda Rhimes, Tracee Ellis Ross, Kerry Washington, and Rita Wilson to this year’s co-chair list.
For more information on the organization and its new campaign, visit whenweallvote.org.
The 47-year-old Puerto Rican actress and her One Day at a Timecast mates will lend their voices to tonight’s animated special on Pop TV.
The animated episode is in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, which shut down television and film production around the world.
The special, titled “The Politics Episode,” will center on a visit from Penelope’s (Machado) conservative cousin Estrellita (Melissa Fumero), Tia Mirtha (Gloria Estefan) and Tio Juanito (Lin-Manuel Miranda). With a presidential election looming, a fight over politics is inevitable.
The series also stars Isabella Gomez and Marcel Ruiz, as Machado’s children. Rita Moreno plays Penelope’s sassy live-in mother. And Todd Grinnell plays their lovable neighbor Schneider.
The original series debuted in 1975 and was developed by the legendary producer Norman Lear. A new iteration of it debuted on Netflix in 2017. After it was canceled, the show found a new home on Pop TV.
Leiomy Maldonado is bringing something legendary to this year’s virtual edition of the ATX Television Festival.
The festival’s first ever virtual version, titled “ATX TV….From The Couch!,” will feature a special panel “Extravaganza” with the cast of HBO Max’s new reality voguing competition, Legemdary, including the 33-year-old Afro-Puerto Rican dancer, instructor, model and ballroom dancer, aka “Wonder Woman of Vogue.”
Maldonado serves as a judge on the new reality competition series, alongside Megan Thee Stallion, Jameela Jamil and Law Roach.
Peacock will present a Psych panel with creators Steve Franks and Chris Henze, as well as cast members James Roday, Dulé Hill, Kirsten Nelson, Maggie Lawson and Corbin Bernsen ahead of the premiere of Peacock’s second Psych movie, Psych 2: Lassie Come Home.
Other panels include a conversation with PopTV’s One Day at a Time including showrunner/executive producer/director/actor Gloria Calderón Kellett as well as cast members Justina Machado, Rita Moreno, and Isabella Gomez.
They’ll join viewers for an informal brunch conversation discussing the June 16 animated special, “The Politics Episode.”
There will also be a table read with the executive producers and cast of Search Partyahead of its debut on HBO Max.
The festival will feature the marquee panel conversation with the cast and creatives of HBO‘s reboot of Perry Mason. Audiences will get a first look at the new gritty drama ahead of its June 21 premiere date.
Hulu will also bring their original series Little Fires Everywhere to the fest with a special panel featuring the shows producers and writers.
FX Networks will present a Justified reunion with the show’sbehind the scenes team and stars Timothy Olyphant and Joelle Carter.
The fest will highlight the ways women support one another in television with a special “Torchlighters” panel, led by Pacesetter principal and executive producer Jessica Rhoades (Dirty John: The Betty Broderick Story, Sharp Objects, Utopia) creator/showrunner/executive producer/director Marti Noxon (Sharp Objects, Dietland, To the Bone), creator/showrunner/executive producer/director Tanya Saracho (Vida), Francesca Orsi (Executive Vice President and Head of Drama at HBO), writer Lindsey Villarreal (Vida) and writer Erika L Johnson (The Village, The Good Lord Bird), with additional panelists to be announced soon.
ATX’s previously announced programming includes panels for Scrubs, Cougar Town, The Bold Type, Nancy Drew, New Amsterdam, P-Valley and more. The ATX Television Festival will stream for free on ATX’s official YouTube channel, with an option for viewers to donate to fundraising efforts for Direct Relief and The Actors Fund in an effort to benefit those affected by COVID-19.
The event will take place June 5-7. Click here for the complete schedule.
Pop TV has scheduled Tuesday, March 24 as the fourth-season premiere of One Day at a Time, starring the 47-year-old Puerto Rican actress.
Produced by Sony Pictures Television, the new 13-episode season will premiere at 9:30 pm following new episodes of the final season of Schitt’s Creekbefore moving to 9:00 pm, beginning April 14.
Inspired by Norman Lear’s 1975 series, the comedy will continue to tell the story of the Cuban American Alvarez family. This season will find Penelope (Machado) exploring a surprising relationship, her mother Lydia (Rita Moreno) experiencing a religious crisis – as well as revealing the details of her surprise trip to Cuba with Dr. Berkowitz (Stephen Tobolowsky), and Schneider (Todd Grinnell) finding his relationship with Avery (India de Beaufort) growing deeper. Meanwhile, Elena (Isabella Gomez) begins to prepare for college and Alex (Marcel Ruiz) starts to date.
“The enthusiastic response from fans since announcing our new season of One Day at a Time has been thrilling,” said Brad Schwartz, President, Pop TV. “The series is more important than ever with its unmatched ability to tackle topical social issues through the lens of a relatable, loving family. The exceptionally talented team behind and in front of the camera make us proud to have ONE DAY AT A TIMEat home at Pop TV.”
One Day at a Time is produced by Act III Productions, Inc.,Snowpants Productionsand GloNation in association with Sony Pictures Television, with Norman Lear, Mike Royce, Gloria Calderón Kellettand Brent Millerserving as executive producers.
This year’s Imagen Awards were doled out over the weekend, with the 28-year-old half-Puerto Rican actress taking home one of the night’s awards.
Rodriguez was named Best Actress – Television for her role as Blanca Rodriguez-Evangelista on the FX groundbreaking television drama Pose, which was named Best Primetime Program – Drama alongside CBS’ Magnum P.I.
Pose, created by Ryan Murphy, Brad Falchuk and Afro-Latino television writer/producer Steven Canals, features the largest cast of transgender actors to be starring as series regulars in a scripted show. In addition to Rodriguez, the series also stars 23-year-old Dominican actor Angel Bismark Curiel.
Anthony Ramos won the Best Actor – Feature Film prize for his role in Monsters and Men, which was named Best Feature Film, while Isabela Moner was namedBest Actress – Feature Film for her role inInstant Family.
Jon Seda was named Best Actor – Television for his role in Chicago P.D., while Wilmer Valderrama was named Best Supporting Actor – Television for his role on NCIS.
Rita Moreno was named Best Supporting Actress – Television for One Day at a Time, while Anthony Gonzalez was named Best Young Actor – Television for HBO’s Icebox.
Held at the Beverly Wilshire Hotel, the Imagen Awards were established in 1985 from a suggestion by veteran television producer Norman Lear to encourage and recognize the positive portrayals of Latinos in media. The winners were judged and selected in 18 categories by an independent panel of entertainment industry executives and Latinx community leaders.
The Imagen Foundation also honored Chairman of Endemol Shine Americasand CEO of Endemol Shine North America’s Cris Abregowith the prestigious Imagen President’s Awardand Luisa Leschinwith the Norman Lear Writer’s Award.
The complete list of winners can be read below.
Best Feature Film Monsters and Men (NEON/Moviepass Films)
Best Director Reinaldo Marcus Green, Monsters and Men (NEON/Moviepass Films)
Best Actor – Feature Film Anthony Ramos, Monsters and Men (NEON/Moviepass Films)
Best Actress – Feature Film Isabela Moner, Instant Family (Paramount Pictures)
Best Primetime Program – Drama (TIE) Magnum P.I. (CBS; CBS Television Studios, Universal Television, Perfect Storm Entertainment, Davis Entertainment, 101st Street Productions) Pose (FX Networks; Fox 21 Television Studios and FX Productions)
Best Primetime Program – Comedy One Day at a Time (Netflix; Sony Pictures Television for Netflix)
Best Primetime Program – Specials, Movies & Limited Series Icebox (HBO; HBO Films in association with Gracie Films and Endeavor Content)
Best Actor – Television Jon Seda, Chicago P.D. (NBC; Wolf Entertainment in association with Universal Television)
Best Actress – Television Mj Rodriguez, Pose (FX Networks; Fox 21 Television Studios and FX Productions)
Best Supporting Actor – Television Wilmer Valderrama, NCIS (CBS; CBS Television Studios)
Best Supporting Actress – Television Rita Moreno, One Day at a Time (Netflix; Sony Pictures Television for Netflix)
Best Young Actor – Television Anthony Gonzalez, Icebox (HBO; HBO Films in association with Gracie Films and Endeavor Content)
Best Variety or Reality Show Hip-Hop Houdini (Fuse; 7Beyond)
Best Children’s Programming The Loud House (Nickelodeon)
Best Documentary – Great Performances John Leguizamo’s Road to Broadway (PBS; NGL Studios & Diamante Content Production in association with THIRTEEN PRODUCTIONS LLC for WNET & Latino Public Broadcasting)
Best Informational Program Breaking Big (PBS; Ozy Media)
Best Short-Form Non-Fiction Program SC Featured – A Dreamer’s Path (ESPN Deportes)
The 46-year-old Puerto Rican actress will expand her role on the upcoming fourth season ofOne Day At A Time on its new network Pop.
In addition to reprising her starring role of Penelope, Machado will receive a producer credit and will direct one episode in Season 4.
Pop has ordered a 13-episode fourth season of the Norman Lear comedy to debut in 2020.
The pickup, announced recently, comes three months after Netflix in March canceled One Day at a Time, a reimagining of the classic Norman Lear sitcom, triggering outpouring of support from fans who rallied behind the multi-generational comedy starring Machado and Rita Moreno.
For Season 4,One Day At a Time developers, executive producers and showrunners Gloria Calderon Kellettand Mike Roycewill touch on politics as it will air during an election year, as the show switches from a binge model to airing once a week.
Machado also is known for her roles as Darci Factor on the CW’s Jane the Virgin, Vanessa Diaz on HBO’sSix Feet Under, and Brenda on the USA drama Queen of the South.
The 17-year-old Colombian American actress/singer,New Jersey High School studentand Hollywood newcomer has landed the lead role of Maria in Steven Spielberg’s West Side Story.
Zegler, who beat out more than 30,000 people from around the world, will make her film debut opposite Ansel Elgortas Tony.
Rounding out the principal Shark roles are Broadway veterans Ariana DeBose as Anita and David Alvarezas Bernardo. Theater performer Josh Andrés Rivera has been cast as Chino.
Spielberg and his team were committed to finding the best actors within the Puerto Rican as well as the broader Latinxcommunity. The team has been conducting research and having conversations with Hispanic heritage and advocacy groups. In December 2018, Spielberg and Tony Kushner, who is adapting West Side Story, sat with professors and students at the University of Puerto Rico(Universidad de Puerto Rico – Río Piedras) to learn more about performing arts on the island. The production team maintains a dialogue with the University and Puerto Rican filmmakers there.
The new castmembers join Rita Moreno, who won an Oscarfor her portrayal of Anita in the 1961 movie, who will play Valentina, a reconceived and expanded version of the character of Doc, the owner of the corner store in which Tony works. Moreno also serves as executive producer.
“When we began this process a year ago, we announced that we would cast the roles of Maria, Anita, Bernardo, Chino and the Sharks with Latina and Latino actors. I’m so happy that we’ve assembled a cast that reflects the astonishing depth of talent in America’s multifaceted Hispanic community,” said Spielberg. “I am in awe of the sheer force of the talent of these young performers, and I believe they’ll bring a new and electrifying energy to a magnificent musical that’s more relevant than ever.”
“I simply cannot wait to get on set to work with this group of young actors,” said Moreno. “What an ensemble, and I look forward to passing the baton to this next generation of Sharks!”
Zegler saw the notice on Twitterback in January 2018 for Latinx actors and submitted a video of herself singing “Tonight” and “Me Siento Hermosa” (“I Feel Pretty”).
“I am so thrilled to be playing the iconic role of Maria alongside this amazing cast,” said Zegler. “West Side Story was the first musical I encountered with a Latina lead character. As a Colombian-American, I am humbled by the opportunity to play a role that means so much to the Hispanic community.”
DeBose, who was nominated for a Tony Award in 2018 for her portrayal of Donna Summerin Summer: The Donna Summer Musical, will play Anita, the role made famous on film by Moreno. DeBose’s other Broadway credits include the original cast of Hamilton, A Bronx Tale: The Musical, Pippin, Motown: The Musical and Bring It On: The Musical. Her screen debut came in 2009 as a competitor on So You Think You Can Dance.
“I’m honored to follow in the footsteps of the remarkable women who have played Anita – including Chita Rivera and, of course, the incomparable Rita Moreno,” said DeBose. “I relate so strongly to Anita – a strong Puerto Rican woman who came to New York in search of opportunity – and I feel so fortunate for the chance to work with this amazing cast and creative team.”
Alvarez, who won a Tony in 2009 for originating the title role in Billy Elliot: The Musical, will play Bernardo, Maria’s brother and the leader of the Sharks. Following his appearance in Billy Elliot, Alvarez served in the U.S. Army’s 25th Infantry Division, before returning to Broadway in 2014 to join the company of On the Town.
“My parents emigrated from Cuba with no connections, knowing no English, driven only by the hope of a better life. I know how challenging the decision was for them, and I see a lot of that internal conflict in Bernardo,” said Alvarez. “I have dreamt of playing this part since I first saw the original film, and I am so grateful for the chance to bring my own perspective and journey to this role – as an artist, a Veteran and a Latino – and to work with this incredible cast to breathe new life into these characters’ experiences.”
Rivera – an actor, singer and dancer who most recently appeared in the first national tour of Hamilton – will play the role of Chino.
“West Side Story is the dream for any performer, and to tackle it with this creative team is truly a once-in-a-lifetime chance,” said Rivera. “I feel very fortunate to be able to portray the Nuyorican experience alongside these amazingly talented actors. I’m confident Puerto Ricans on and off the island will see ourselves reflected in this project.”
West Side Story will be produced and directed by Spielberg from a script by Oscar-nominated screenwriter and Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright Tony Kushner. The film will be adapted for the screen from the original 1957 Broadway musical, which was written by Arthur Laurentswith music by Leonard Bernstein, lyrics by Stephen Sondheim and concept, direction and choreography by Jerome Robbins. Also leading the production are Tony Award-winning producer Kevin McCollumand Academy Award-nominated producer Kristie Macosko Krieger.
West Side Story will be released by Twentieth Century Fox. Filming is slated to start in the summer of 2019.
Additional casting announcements will be made in the coming weeks, specifically in regards to The Sharksand The Jets.
